Lymphatic Drainage for Face
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Lymphatic Drainage for Face

Facial massage has its benefits if done correctly. Read more...


 

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What Is lymphatic drainage facial massage?


Facial massage has its benefits if done correctly. The science behind the benefits of facial massage hinges on understanding that the face is home to dozens of muscles in addition to blood vessels and lymphatics. Recognizing that tension can be held in these muscles and excess fluid can build up in the skin, massage can help stimulate circulation to assist in the drainage of this fluid and decrease muscle tension. The outcome if performed correctly is to help tone and tighten the appearance of the facial anatomy.


What are facial massagers?

There is not necessarily one type of device that falls under the category of facial massagers. In evaluating devices, there are manual devices that rely on pressure, temperature, and technique and there are electric devices that utilize high-frequency vibratory movement and/or microcurrent to work.

What I refer to as ‘mechanical' facial massagers include Jade Rollers, Ice Rollers, and Gua Sha Facial tools. These are simple-to-use tools that focus on the coolness of the stone or device to help ‘de-puff’ the skin through vasoconstriction. Manual applied pressure and movement of the stone or device help assist the circulation by focusing on directing the drainage of excess fluid in the tissues toward the lymphatics. Understanding this, the key is to start from the central face and work outwards towards the lymphatic vessels with the device.

 


 

Electric or battery-operated facial massagers can use the vibratory movement of the device with or without microcurrents to help tone the muscles and stimulate circulation.



The Beauty Bar 24K Golden Pulse Energy Facial Massager focuses on vibratory motion to tone the muscles of the face.
The NuFace Mini Facial Toning Device uses a micro current to help stimulate circulation and help tone facial muscles.

Is it good for anti-aging, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles?


Facial massage can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is not necessarily reversing the signs of aging but it can improve the overall appearance of the skin if performed correctly. In particular, it helps improve the quality and texture of the skin. De-puffing the skin, smoothing, giving a more lifted appearance, and making the skin appear less congested are all common benefits sought through this procedure.


Is it good for stress, anxiety, and fatigue?



Massaging these muscles through facial massage can help relieve some of this tightness for those with tension in their facial muscles.



 


 

Is it good for skin radiance and rejuvenation?



We do know that fluid tends to accumulate in the soft tissue of the face and around the eyes. It can worsen with allergies, rosacea, high blood pressure, and hormonal changes. The longer the fluid is there, it will start to change the texture of the skin on the face. Many people will note that their skin starts to look like the peel of an orange (p’eau d’orange) or that the bags under their eyes seem more prominent. Aside from medications, simple massage to gently work this excess fluid back into the lymphatic system can help control the effects of this swelling. I often tell patients to massage the skin around their eyes in a circular fashion to reduce the look of bags under the eyes.


How to use a face roller for lymphatic drainage?


There is not necessarily one type of device that falls under the category of facial massagers. In evaluating devices, there are manual devices that rely on pressure, temperature, and technique and there are electric devices that utilize high-frequency vibratory movement and/or microcurrent to work.

What I refer to as ‘mechanical' facial massagers include Jade Rollers, Ice Rollers, and Gua Sha Facial tools. These are simple-to-use tools that focus on the coolness of the stone or device to help ‘de-puff’ the skin through vasoconstriction. Manual applied pressure and movement of the stone or device help assist the circulation by focusing on directing the drainage of excess fluid in the tissues toward the lymphatics. Understanding this, the key is to start from the central face and work outwards towards the lymphatic vessels with the device.

Electric or battery-operated facial massagers can use the vibratory movement of the device with or without microcurrents to help tone the muscles and stimulate circulation.


Are there any side effects of lymphatic drainage for the face?



If massage is performed in a manner that ignores the natural flow of lymphatics in the face, the risk would be excess fluid accumulation in the tissues - the very issue we are trying to address. If performed too aggressively there is a risk of bruising as well. For those with a tendency toward hives, in particular pressure urticaria, there is a risk of rebound swelling.



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